Key Highlights
- The HBO banking drama “Industry” has just kicked off its fourth series with a starrier cast and more macabre content.
- The show’s tone has become darker over the years, reflecting the characters’ maturation from college graduates to their 30s.
- Season four introduces new cast members like Max Minghella and Charlie Heaton, promising a more sinister storyline.
- Critics describe “Industry” as operating at optimal bleakness and running on nightmarish cycles.
The Evolution of “Industry”: From Hype to Horror
It’s been six years since the debut of “Industry,” a banking drama that initially struggled to make waves. Yet, as it prepares for its fourth season, the show has not only found its footing but also become a cultural phenomenon. According to Variety TV critic Alison Herman, “Industry has always been bleak, but as it’s refined and expanded, it’s certainly accurate to say it’s gotten darker over time.”
A Bumpy Start
When the show first aired in 2020, the buzz was mainly around its unique concept and the direction by Girls creator Lena Dunham. However, initial viewership was lackluster, leaving many to wonder if this ambitious project would survive. The fourth season, which premiered last weekend, marks a significant shift: it has not only improved in ratings but also garnered more attention with starry additions like Max Minghella and Charlie Heaton.
Darkening of the Tone
The new season kicks off with a pitch-black tone. In its opening episode, viewers are introduced to scenes that reveal the sinister underbelly of the banking world. For instance, a one-night-stand turns out to be more threatening than anticipated, placing young woman Kiernan Shipka in a vulnerable position. Later on, anti-heroine Harper Stern (Myha’la) berates an investor with the chilling line, “If you’re gonna have a stroke, please do it outside my office.” This scene culminates when he indeed suffers a stroke right before her eyes.
Exploring New Depths
The show’s new direction is marked by its exploration of ethical depths. The central relationship between Harper (Myha’la) and Yasmin (Marisa Abela), both characters in their 30s, takes a darker turn. Meanwhile, the series delves into more complex themes such as mental health crises, suicidal ideation, and shock deaths.
Season four is also notable for its mature storyline, with key characters now grappling with power dynamics that mirror those of real-world scandals.
As Alison Herman puts it, “These characters are now in their 30s… helping to perpetuate the same abusive, exploitative culture they have experienced.” This shift towards villainy makes the show even more challenging for viewers and critics alike. “Industry” continues weekly on HBO and HBO Max in the US and BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
For those curious about what lies ahead, here’s a teaser: “Industry” is described by Vulture’s Roxana Hadidi as operating at optimal bleakness, while Belen Edwards from Mashable calls it running on nightmarish cycles. The show’s creators, Konrad Kay and Mickey Down, aim to tell a story with the narrative propulsion of a great conspiracy thriller over eight hours.
The fourth season promises to be more than just a continuation; it represents a significant evolution in both content and tone. As Alison Herman notes, “Power comes with responsibility, and nothing we’ve learned about these characters’ traumatised pasts or coping mechanisms suggests they’d be able to use power responsibly.” The future of “Industry” looks set to be as dark as its present.
As viewers tune in each week, the question remains: Will this show truly become the darkest on TV right now? Only time—along with eight episodes—will tell.
